North Ras Abu Galum

Overview

Ras Abu Galum is a protected national park in the far north of Dahab, a stretch of untouched coastline where the desert mountains drop straight into the sea and Bedouin huts mark the only settlement. The northern reaches reward you with a string of pristine coral gardens and the kind of quiet, big-country diving that has all but vanished elsewhere on the Sinai coast. It is usually combined with the nearby Blue Hole into a classic Dahab day out.

The Dive

Entry is through a small, sheltered lagoon that opens into a beautiful coral garden descending from around 16m. The protected area holds roughly six distinct sites suited to everyone from first-timers to experienced divers, and the northern stretch is typically run as a gentle drift along the drop-off, keeping the reef on a shoulder while the slope falls away. Healthy hard corals, scattered pinnacles and coral heads define the topography, and most of the colour and action sits in the comfortable 10-25m range — there is no need to push deep here. Current is usually mild to moderate, occasionally enough to give the drift a pleasant push.

Marine Life

Turtles are close to guaranteed, grazing the coral garden or resting on ledges. The reef holds the full Red Sea cast of anthias, butterflyfish, parrotfish and moray eels, and out in the blue you have a real chance of eagle rays and, less often, a passing manta. The shallow lagoon and coral heads are good hunting ground for smaller reef life on the way in and out.

Good to Know

Suitable for all levels, with the easiest diving in the shallow gardens and more for confident divers along the deeper drop-off. Visibility is excellent, commonly 20-30m. Access is the adventure: the traditional route is a drive to the Blue Hole then a 90-minute camel ride north with your tanks loaded on the camels, though most operators now run a 20-minute Bedouin speedboat instead. Either way it is a full-day trip — bring sun cover and water for the surface intervals on the beach.